What to do in Kyoto Prefecture
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Kyoto Prefecture
Things to do
Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Miyama Day Tour
£38
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys
£80
per adult
Kyoto: Kimono, Tea Ceremony with Japanese Garden and Studio
£19
per adult
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto
£42
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
£42
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Gion Geisha Walk – Small-Group Authentic Experience
£90
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Osaka/Kyoto: Katsuoji & Arashiyama & Kinkakuji Day Tour
£37
per adult
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience
£26
per adult
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Top places to visit
1. Kiyomizu Temple
Nestled in the Otowa Mountain, to the east of central Kyōto, the Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu is one of the city’s most popular attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. The current temple buildings date from the 15th to 17th centuries, but there has been a temple here since 778.
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2. Fushimi Inari Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Shrine was founded in 711 and is the head shrine for the 40,000 shrines to Inari, goddess of rice and prosperity, in Japan. Worshippers come here to ask for wealth and success in business, and travelers come to enjoy the beauty and history of the area.
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3. Nishiki Market
Traditional Japanese food is the order of the day in the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The market plays host to hundreds of restaurants, shops and temporary stalls selling culinary supplies from fresh seafood to knives. Shops sell either food or utensils with which to prepare it. A stark contrast to the serene and humble temples, shrines and museums, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to experience the typical hustle and bustle of food trade at the core of Kyoto.
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4. Kyoto Tower
The steel Kyoto Tower stands 430 feet (131 meters) high, making it the tallest in the city. Built on top of a nine-story building, the top part of the tower is supposed to resemble a Japanese-style candle. It can be seen from all over Kyoto, which makes it an attractive meeting point.
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5. Nijō Castle
Nijo Castle is a testament to the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868). The castle was the stronghold of the family who essentially controlled Japan during this time, leaving the emperor to rule in name only. To create a defence against enemies, the castle was built with two palaces, two stone walls and two moats.
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6. Kinkaku-ji Temple
Of all the temples you’ll see in Kyōto, this one is perhaps the most breathtaking. Also known as “Kinkaku-ji,” the Temple of the Golden Pavilion’s top two floors are coated in gold leaf, creating a dazzling mirror image in the pond on which it’s built.
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7. Yasaka Shrine
Even in a city famous for its magnificent shrines, Yasaka Shrine is a standout destination in Kyoto. Also known as Gion Shrine or Yasaka Jinja, Yasaka Shrine dates back over 1,350 years and is the much-celebrated site of the annual Gion Festival. Visit Yasaka Shrine to appreciate its beautiful architecture, fascinating traditions and to pray for a little good fortune of your own.
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What to do in Kyoto Prefecture
Stay near popular Kyoto Prefecture attractions
Where to stay in Kyoto Prefecture
Find the best Kyoto Prefecture areas for the activities you enjoy most.
Central Kyoto
Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nishijin Textile Center and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
Gion
Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.
Shimogyo Ward
Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.
Downtown Kyoto
While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Museum of Kyoto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.
Photo by Alexander Hagseth
Open Photo by Alexander Hagseth
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Museum of Kyoto, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
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